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Runt of the litter has become poorly :(

post #1 of 11
5/7/10 at 4:19pm
Thread Starter 
Hi

I just joined because I'm really worried about the 3 week old runt of the litter. It was the last to open it's eyes but seemed quite healthy yet small until a few days ago when we realised it's eyes are getting clogged with gunk. It is less than half the size of the other 3 and can't feed as it seems quite clumsy (unable to find the nipple and bites when trying to feed it's also constantly pushed off. The mother rarely acknowledges it. We've already lost one when they were born. I'm making sure it's getting some time to feed everyday and washing it's eyes with warm salt water but can't really afford to take it to the vet. Is there anything I can do?

Many Thanks
Laura xoxoxo
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post #2 of 11
5/7/10 at 4:30pm
Have you tried bottle feeding it? If it's less than half the size there could be a problem. Try getting some KMR(kitten milk replacment) and giving him some of that. you can always put a little honey on the end to make him take the bottle easier. You could try giving him some "alone" feeding time with mom so he can't be pushed out of the way by his siblings. One last thing is to make sure he's warm enough- kittens won't eat unless their warm enough. For his eyes try dabbing some warm water on them, but if it doesn't improve, the only thing that will help is medication from a vet. I hate to say it, but if he continues getting worse, the vet may be your only option If you explain your situation, your vet may be able to work out a deal with you...
Good luck to your little guy!
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post #3 of 11
5/7/10 at 4:40pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you!!
I'll go get him some replacement milk as soon as the shops are open


xoxoxo
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post #4 of 11
5/7/10 at 6:26pm
My cat just had her babies Monday. I took her and the kittens in to see my vet (I've used them for years) and they didn't charge me anything.
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post #5 of 11
5/7/10 at 7:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by lovelylaura003 View Post
Thank you!!
I'll go get him some replacement milk as soon as the shops are open


xoxoxo
Keep us updated on your little ones
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post #6 of 11
5/8/10 at 4:35am
Eye probs are very common in kittens. My vet just gave me (well, sold me) a small tube of ointment. I don't think I even took the baby in...it is that common.

Why not at least ask your vet?
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post #7 of 11
5/10/10 at 11:16am
Any updates on this kitty?
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post #8 of 11
5/10/10 at 11:37am
Please do NOT use salt water and do not try to force the eyes open. Put a warm, damp compress on the eyes for as long as the kitten can tolerate it and then just leave them be.

Be very careful using KMR I just recently lost three -3 week old kittens using this PetAg formula and it can have some nasty effects. Look for Hartz Kitten Milk Replacer or another brand- specifically try and find some with colostrum added to it.

Hopefully, my website will help you find your way with this wee one www.kitten-rescue.com
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post #9 of 11
5/11/10 at 5:56am
What is the deal with KMR? Daughter has been giving her orphans for 5 weeks now. Healthy and growing. No ill effects.
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post #10 of 11
5/11/10 at 12:06pm
Hartz is usually a horrible brand, so I don't know if I'd recommend it over KMR...seems strange to me...

I do agree with the salt water though. Probably best to stay away from that.
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post #11 of 11
5/11/10 at 1:34pm
The brand I use is called "Mammalac"- although I'm not sure if it's only made in Canada....anyhow, it works very well, and I know vets usually sell it "over the counter"
I've also used KMR, and it seems to work pretty well too for my guys...
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